Meaning & Definition of word "Contemporary"

Contemporary

/kənˈtɛm.pə.rer.i/

noun:

  • 1. A person or thing living or existing at the same time as another.
    • Example: Hemingway and Fitzgerald were contemporaries in the literary world.

adjective:

  • 1. Living or occurring at the same time; belonging to the same time period.
    • Example: The artist's work is reflective of contemporary cultural trends.
  • 2. Existing or happening now; modern.
    • Example: She prefers contemporary music over classical.

Etymology

From Latin 'contemporarius', from 'con-' (with) + 'temporarius' (of time).

Common Phrases and Expressions

contemporary art:

Art produced at the present period in contrast to historical art.

contemporary society:

A society that reflects present-day norms and values.

contemporary history:

History that is occurring in the present.

Related Words

coeval:

Existing or originating during the same time period.

modernity:

The quality or condition of being modern.

Slang Meanings of contemporary

Meaning: Current trends in lifestyle or culture.

Example Sentence: That style is so contemporary, everyone is doing it!

Meaning: Someone who is up-to-date or trendy.

Example Sentence: She is such a contemporary, always in the know about the latest fashion.